Mark Tinsky 2024 Natural (6) 1 Star Smooth Cavalier Estate Briar Pipe, American Estates

Description

American artisan Mark Tinsky first came to prominence as a pipe-maker during the late 1970s, when he and Curt Rollar founded the appropriately named American Pipe Smoking Company. Tinsky and Rollar’s partnership continued until 1990, when the pair split amicably, with Tinsky retaining ownership of the company. In the early 21st century, Mark Tinsky began to carve pipes under his own name, while continuing to use the American name for his expanded venture into pipe making supplies for the next generation of master artisans.

While examples of cavalier shapes can be found right the way back to Tinsky’s American Pipe Smoking Co. venture with Curt Rollar, they are by no means common in either that or Tinsky’s solo output. Instead, these days they fall under the “Unique” series within Tinsky’s portfolio, being made individually and occasionally, rather than being a more readily available “Catalog Shape.” This one’s even more unique, as while Tinsky predominantly works with acrylic these days, this one’s mouthpiece and shank plug have instead been hand-cut from cumberland. Add that to the pipe’s high-grade Natural finish (i.e., no stain, just wax-polished), its additional 1 Star grade for its superior grain, and its group 6 stature, and you’ve got a pretty special Tinsky on your hands.

The condition is very good. Some inner rim darkening and a couple of very small scratches on the bowl.

Details:

Length: 6.9″ / 175.2mm

Bowl Width: 0.85 / 21.59mm

Bowl Depth: 1.36″ / 34.54mm

Weight: 1.9oz / 56g